41 Slam Dunk Gifts for the Basketball Fan in Your Life

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BASKETBALL'S CULTURE is so rich it can be hard to keep up with. What, with the gear, fashion, and propensity for flair, the sport is in a league of its own—and way more than just a leather ball and pair of glass backboards. With such a dynamic nature, hoops is a fun and relatively easy category to gift within.

Now, anybody can don a jersey of their favorite team. Real b-ball fans want something more, like a hoop attachment that will help their jump shot or a perfectly-fitting pair of shorts. Basketball enthusiasts crave the same style and eclectic taste that many of the sport’s greatest figures possess, from Russell Westbrook to Damian Lillard.

Frankly, there are a lot of popular gifts out there in basketball land that keep on giving. There are great old playoff games, dunk contest highlights, and more, all just a few Youtube clicks away. But next time you’re looking to really impress the hoops fan in your life, look to the selections below. Rookies and veterans of the sport alike will put them to serious use.

Read more: Best Gifts for Men

TWO WXY v3

Basketball shoes have become huge fashion statements and this pair fits the bill. Inspired by the brain's firing synapses, the shoes feature wavy patterns, the kind of neurological powers one uses when making quick decisions on the court.

Balling Abraham Framed Art Print

What's better than Abe Lincoln playing some hoops? Not much. This print embodies the cool factor embedded in basketball, as American as jazz or a giant slice of pizza.

26 oz Water Bottle

This stainless steel water bottle is a great thing to pack along to the court for staying hydrated in between pickup games. It's durable and has an extra-wide mouth for chugging H2O when you need it most.

NBA 2K23 - Nintendo Switch

The NBA 2K franchise has become as prominent of a dynasty as the Bulls of the 90s or the Warriors of late. While playing the real sport is still top shelf, this is a very close second, one of the most realistic and fun-to-play games out there.

Space Jam Vintage Dyed T-Shirt

Space Jam sums up all the glory of the 90s, involving colorful animation, Michael Jordan, and a soundtrack featuring the likes of Coolio and Seal. This is a great gift not only for the basketball fan, but the basketball culture fan.

The Mamba Mentality: How I Play

We lost NBA great Kobe Bryan way too early but his legacy lives on. This book explores just how potent the Lakers guard was on the court, bagging multiple championships en route. Per usual, Bryant is eloquent throughout, a true scholar of the game.

Men's UA 3" Performance Wristband

Basketball made the wrist band famous and for good reason. There’s hardly a sport that involves more sweat wiping. This pair offers a class look with fast-drying fabric.

Spalding Back Atcha® Ball Return Training Aid

If you're putting in the hours on your own, you can waste a lot of time shagging balls. This handy device will send the rock right back to you, allowing you to get more shots in.

Men's Curry Mesh 8" Shorts

The pinstripe is a vintage basketball look that’s always in style. This pair, a collaboration with the NBA’s greatest shooter Steph Curry, offers breathable fabric and a slick fit. There are even zipper hand pockets for your keys and other valuables.

Read more: Best Gym Shorts

NB Hoops Essential Pant

With a well-designed logo and trim fit, these are the ultimate warm-up pants for the basketball fan. Whether you’re lounging and watching a game or playing pick-up at the park, they’re just what the basketball doctor ordered.

Read more: Best Sweatpants for Men

Posterize Graphic Tee

This graphic tee is an animated take on being posterized, or, in basketball terms, being dunked on in historic fashion. It’s clever, a little silly, and shows off the sport’s entertainment side. It’s a calling card that you can wear that says you speak the great language of hoops.

Read more: Best T-Shirts for Men

Baselayer Long Sleeve Top

Basketball is cold season sport and it pays to layer up. Weather aside, players want moisture-wicking and arm support and this top offers both. Wear it under your favorite tee or jersey and avoid floor burn.

Read more: Best Gifts for Sports Fans

Unisex UA Playmaker Crew Socks

A good basketball sock is an underrated thing in hoops. You need support and comfort as all that pivoting, jabbing, and rebounding is hard on the feet. These socks are up to the task, with plenty of cushion and zero slippage.

Midweight Slim Jogger Sweatpant

Athleisure is where it’s at, especially in basketball. These sweatpants boast a slim fit, neat cuffs, and a classic drawstring. Better, they’re a collaboration between Todd Snyder and Champion, a company that knows a thing or two about being game ready.

Athletic Crew Socks in Gym Stripe

Dress like the pros circa 1960 with these classic crew socks. They breathe well and look very, very good alongside a pair of Chuck Taylors.

Read more: Best Unique Gifts for Men

Ball Maintenance Kit

No air, no basketball. Every ball needs the proper amount of pressure and this easy-to-use and easy-to-pack pump is at your service. It’s universal too, meaning you can pump up just about any ball in the vast universe of sports.

SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop with Ball

True basketball loves bring the sport with them everywhere, from the playground to the water cooler. The mini hoop adds a little play to your work environment, and can clip on to the back of your office door. It’s also a great way to get the little ones started on their fade away jump shot.

T.H.E. Linerless Short 9"

Specifically designed for training, this is the ideal gift for that person in your life who loves to play. The tapered fit is clean and the lightweight build keep the wearer feeling as sprightly as ever. Most other shorts just feel heavy and sluggish and wearing these.

Basic Jersey Tee

We like this collaboration so much we had to throw in a top too. This shirt is great anywhere, from the gym court to the sports bar with friends. It’s familiar yet elevated.

Read more: Best Basketball Movies

Command the Day Large Duffle Bag 37L

Pack your ball, sneakers, and gym towel in this great duffel. It’s a bag so sharp it belongs in the many runway arena tunnels of the National Basketball Association. There’s an external pocket for your water bottle and an internal stowaway section specifically for sweaty gear.

Read more: Best Gym Bags

Street Outdoor Basketball 28.5"

You’re gonna need a ball. And if you’re playing outside, there’s no need to scuff up your best leather indoor ball. This rubber version is great for any surface, from blacktops to synthetic courts.

Vital Drive Training Half Tight 10"

Basketball shorts (and active shorts in general) work better with the proper underwear. This half tight aids specific muscle areas and prevents any kind of annoying rubbing. It’s a recipe for playing all day on fresh legs.

Z.N.E. 01 True Wireless Earbuds

Get a boost of adrenaline while balling with these wireless earbuds. They’ll deliver the music while you work on your crossover and step-back three pointer. Sweat and splash-proof, you’ll never want to press pause.

Read more: Best Fitness Gifts for Men

Microfiber Gym Towels

With all that sweat, it pays to have a few gym towels handy. Nothing fancy, just soft, absorbent towels you can easily take from your bag to the washing machine, and back again.

Performance Headband

Keep that sweat out of your eyes with a proper headband. This French Terry knit option looks so good you may just want to file it away with your general hat collection. It’s a functional homage to headwear legends like Allen Iverson and Klay Thompson.

Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneaker

The shoe that dominated the court during basketball’s formative pro era, the Chuck Taylor still reigns. It may not be the most comfortable shoe on the planet, but the effortless style is something to behold.

4-Pack Hand Exercise Balls

Basketball involves a fair amount of finger dexterity and strength. These little gizmos help you articulate your finger fitness. They’re also a great gift for the most fidgety of friends, and a nice stress reliever as well.

Adicolor Classics Beckenbauer Primeblue Track Jacket

Nothing says sports style like a classic striped tracksuit. This Adidas top practically invented the phenomenon, one that’s multiple generations old now. Warm up in it and toss it aside just before tipoff, just like the pros.

Outdoor Voices RecMesh Tank

The tank is vintage when it comes to basketball, relied upon for its great looks and ability to protect your many arm movements on court. This one really pops and, even better, is made from old water bottles.

Men's UA Armour Guard Mouthguard

Protect your choppers from stray hands and elbows with a good old fashioned mouthguard. There’s nothing hot about it, just pure protective goodness. Your smile will thank us later

Kore Unlined Short

You can't have too many solid pairs of basketball shorts. This option is stylish and free-flowing, meaning you'll look good as you dribble through the competition.

Basketball Bear Graphic Crewneck Sweatshirt

Sport the active bear. This Ralph Lauren sweatshirt subtly flexes a love for all things hoops. A fleece blend made of cotton, it's as soft as your finger roll.

Teammate Unisex Tee

Sport the "teammate" philosophy, on and off the court. This shirt is made of organic cotton and offers old shoe comfort, right out of the gate. It's lightweight, breathable, and preaches a good message.

Colorblock Basketball Shorts

These eye-catching shorts are the product of a Black-owned business. They borrow from the primary color and pattern era of the late 80s and early 90s, when Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Clyde Drexler were running the court.

Steve Nash White Phoenix Suns 1996-97 Hardwood Classics Swingman Jersey

A jersey is a jersey but a throwback jersey is something else entirely. This one honors the great Steve Nash, a former MVP who had the vision of an eagle. The company makes some other great ones too, if you're looking to find your favorite player of yesteryear.

Creator 365 Backpack

Pack your basketball essentials and throw 'em on your back with this simple pack. It's great for a subway or bike ride to the park, sneakers, towel, and earbuds in tow.

Jordan Jumpman Washed Bucket Hat

Dress like the Jumpman himself with this bucket hat. It gives you some court side style that you can take anywhere.

Fly Graphic Basketball Head Tie

Want a headband with a little more character? The head tie is where it's at, increasingly popular among NBA players. It's great for sweeping long hair aside or just keeping the sweat drops away from the eyes.

Men's YPB Training Tank

With all that arm motion, basketball loves a sleeveless top. This one is made with activity in mind, with a curved hem and side notch detail for added agility.

Heritage Fleece Crewneck

Let 'em know you're varsity with this crewneck. It's great for a chilly morning shoot around or just hanging out.

YPB 7" Lined Cardio Short

If you watch basketball, you know short shorts are back in the game. This pair touts a drawstring waistband and eye-catching color. There’s a hidden zipper pocket too, should you need to pack a few small things with you.

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